2019/20 PHONO CARTRIDGES
Audio-Technica Machida, Japan, opened January 2016 The newly constructed global headquarters and research centre of the Audio-Technica Corporation, housing 250 employees & engineers. Affectionately known as “Moby Dick” by staff due to its resemblance to the white whale.
“ ...pleased to introduce ” a new line of cartridges...
a message from the president Dear Customer, I am proud to present the 2019 edition of our full-line phono cartridge and analogue record-related accessories catalogue, and I’m also pleased to introduce a new line of cartridges. On page 13 you will find our new Moving Coil cartridges called the “OC9x Series” – Five new cartridges from Elliptical entry model up to the most sophisticated Special Line Contact configuration, the same diamond used on our flagship cartridge, the AT-ART1000.
History 1962 AT-1 Audio‑Technica’s first product: AT-1 stereo cartridge. 1967 AT35X 1978 AT25 1979 AT120E/G 1987 AT-OC9 2012 AT50ANV 2016 ART1000 2017 VM Series 2018 VM95 Series An early model of the AT35X , the origin of the VM cartridge, which received patents worldwide. The AT25, an integral structured body housing a VM cartridge. Features the newly developed toroidal power system. Launch of the AT100 series VM cartridges.
Index Choosing the right cartridge 6 Understanding styli, moving coil or moving magnet 7 AT-ART1000 direct power stereo MC cartridge 9 AT-ART9 magnetic core moving coil stereo cartridge 10 AT-ART7 non-magnetic core moving coil stereo cartridge 10 12-15 AT-OC9X Series moving coil cartridges 16 AT33 Series moving coil cartridges 18-19 Moving coil cartridges for mono vintage records (mono LP and mono SP) 21 Moving coil cartridges styli replacement and rebuild programme VM Serie
© 2018 Haruki Kodama Photography Choosing the right cartridge The specifications (pages 44 to 47) The ultimate performance potential of any record playing system is defined by the capabilities of its phono cartridge. Tonal balance, response range, clarity on musical peaks, stereo separation and imaging, along with freedom from noise and distortion are all affected at the outset. The selection of this first component is critical to the full enjoyment of the rest of your system.
Understanding styli shapes, shank shapes and constructions Four main series of cartridges : Audio-Technica Elliptical styli have a size of - 0.3 x 0.7 mil (1) with the first Excellence, Moving Coil, VM Series, VM95 Series and P Mount series. number indicating the side radius. The Conical stylus is the simplest, Five different diamond stylus shapes : least expensive and most widely used stylus. Its spherical tip, which has a typical radius of 0.
Excellence Series cartridge AT-ART1000 Direct power stereo MC cartridge 5 200,00 e (2) Including VAT EAN 4961310136390 Audio‑Technica’s new reference AT-ART1000 Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge has been developed and engineered as part of the company’s “Excellence” programme to deliver the highest listening experience for audiophiles. AT-ART1000 Audio‑Technica’s is the most advanced and sophisticated cartridge to-date.
Moving coil cartridges / ART Series AT-ART9 Magnetic core MC type stereo cartridge 1 090,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310122713 • Flagship magnetic core MC type cartridge with very high quality magnetic circuit. The AT-ART9 inherits the basic magnetic design from the AT50ANV, which was developed as our 50th anniversary model. Also, it reproduces the highest-quality sound using the vibration system from the AT-OC9/III.
AT-OC9X Series cartridges
AT-OC9X Series cartridges made from 32 Years of cumulated experience and customer feedback from 12 different models all inspired by the acclaimed AT-OC9. AT-OC9XEB AT-OC9XEN AT-OC9XML AT-OC9XSH AT-OC9XSL Screw Washer The 5 new models of the AT-OC9X series all feature PCOCC internal wiring and an aluminium body with integrated M2.6 threaded inserts to enable easier mounting. AT-OC9XML, AT-OC9XSH, AT-OC9XSL also feature a Permendur Yoke magnetic structure combined with a Boron cantilever.
AT-OC9X Series / Elliptical models AT-OC9XEB Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with bonded Elliptical stylus 239,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310150440 A n excellent affordable introduction to the characteristics that is Includes : moving coil.
AT-OC9X Series / Line Contact models AT-OC9XML Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Microlinear stylus 549,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310150426 Microlinear complex diamond profile enabling higher frequency response, detail like never before experienced and limiting inner Nude Square Shank Microlinear • Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) is used for the coils to achieve the purest signal possible groove distortion.
Moving coil cartridges / AT33 Series AT33Sa Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Shibata stylus 799,00 e Including VAT EAN 496130128968 • MC cartridge with Shibata stylus The AT33Sa is the first Audio‑Technica MC cartridge model to feature a Shibata stylus. In addition to its superior high-range performance as a line-contact stylus, the Shibata stylus produces mid and bass sound that is strong and rich.
Moving coil phono cartridges for mono vinyl LP records AT33MONO High-end moving coil mono cartridge for mono vinyl LP (Long Play) records 399,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310098964 0.65 mil Conical Stylus Nude Square Shank The AT33MONO is made specifically for use on mono LP. The AT33MONO produces sound to a very high quality because it does not easily pick up unnecessary strain components from distorted or scratched records, producing audio that you couldn’t possibly get from a stereo cartridge.
Moving coil phono cartridge for 78rpm mono Shellac SP record AT-MONO3/SP High output moving coil cartridge for 78rpm mono Shellac SP (Standard Play) records 199,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310008338 2.5mil Bonded Conical Stylus Round Shank The AT-MONO3/SP cartridge is designed to faithfully transcribe the performances recorded on 78rpm Shellac records. Made specifically for mono recordings, the cartridge only generates signal with horizontal movement.
Note: Moving Coil Cartridges Styli are not field replaceable Terms and conditions The customer must return the old Audio‑Technica moving coil cartridge to an Authorized Moving Coil Cartridge Service Centre along with proof of Moving Coil Cartridge purchase. The MC cartridge returned under the programme must be outside of its warranty period, and be in working order (with the exception of a worn stylus) with no mechanical damage on the cantilever.
Moving coil cartridges replacement styli European programme Due to the technical nature and highly skilled construction involved in moving coil cartridges, it is not possible to replace the stylus.
VM Series cartridges: features & mechanism
Analogue to the cutter head A cutter head carves out the record grooves. The modulations in the groove are ”analogue” mechanical equivalents of the original audio signals. To ”read” these modulations, Audio‑Technica developed the Dual Magnet design which duplicates the structure of cutter head. Instead of using a single, large magnet, the two magnets are arranged in the shape of a ”V”. The two magnets are positioned precisely to match the positions of the left and right channels in the stereo groove walls.
VM Series cartridges overview 700 Series For superior sound with superfine fidelity.
For more faithful reproduction of sound, with VM cartridge precision. VM530EN VM520EB VM510CB 600 Series For special models that bring out the best sound of mono LP records and 78rpm SP records.
VM cartridges / with Line Contact styli VM760SLC VM cartridge with Special Line Contact Stylus 699,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310137595 Using an ultra-lightweight stylus tip ground to a high level of precision, we have achieved a combination of low distortion rate with fuller frequency reproduction during playback. This stylus tip extracts every possible piece of information from the grooves on a record.
VM cartridges / with Elliptical & Conical styli VM530EN Dual moving magnet stereo cartridge 179,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310137557 High-end elliptical stylus model equipped with a light-weighted nude elliptical stylus to reduce the execution mass of the vibration system. This enables fuller frequency reproduction.
VM cartridges / mono cartridges for Shellac & early mono LP’s VM670SP For Shellac 78rpm mono Standard Play Records 159,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310137618 Model dedicated to 78rpm records, whose conical stylus has a large curvature radius at the tip. The curvature radius is 3 mil, and suitable for playing 78rpm records from a wide variety of eras.
Replacement & upgrade styli matrix The cartridge becomes worn after an extended period of play(3), even the finest diamond stylus. Our VM cartridges can be used again for a long time by only replacing the stylus. Our renewed VM cartridges series is composed of 7 styli and 3 types of bodies. Not only is it not necessary to buy the cartridge itself, but you can also enjoy the experience of upgrading your stylus, or trying a new cartridge / stylus combination.
VM95 Series
After 38 years on the market and more than 5 million pieces sold, For 38 years the AT95E has been known in 2018 Audio-Technica as the best-in-class cartridge. introduced the next generation Now after more than 5 million sold, the to legendary it’s timeof to move a new level... AT95E: AT-VM95E ...introducing the new generation VM95E The VM95E has been upgraded and redesigned to offer the user improved performance and better sound quality.
VM95 Series overview VM95 Series consist of 18 new products, six cartridges using the same electromagnetic engine-body featuring six different styli, offering a wide choice for every budget and every application. The six cartridges are also available factory mounted on the exclusive AT-HS6BK headshell.
AT-VM95ML AT-VM95SH AT-VM95SP AT-VMN95ML AT-VMN95SH AT-VMN95SP AT-VM95ML/H AT-VM95SH/H AT-VM95SP/H Microlinear Shibata Conical Bonded 3 mil Line Contact Styli SP Styli for 78rpm audio-technica phono cartridges guide - 2019/20 - 33
VM95 Series cartridges and sets The AT-VM95C, the new Audio-Technica entry model Conical cartridge will replace the legendary AT90 Series models such as AT91, AT91R and CN5625AL Also the AT-VM95C is a “budget” cartridge featuring a conical stylus, the compatibility in the range will allow to upgrade with any of the 4 other LP styli of the Series such as Elliptical, Elliptical Nude, Microlinear and Shibata. AT-VM95C Cartridge with Conical Stylus 34.
VM95 Series cartridges and sets The AT-VM95ML, features a Nude Microlinear diamond, not only the Microlinear stylus will permit to double the duration of your stylus. The performance of a line contact stylus, will minimize the “inner groove distortion” as well as providing extended frequency response and maximize resolution in the medium and high frequencies of the audio program material. AT-VM95ML Cartridge with Microlinear Stylus 169.
VM95 Series - Styli compatibility charts Every cartridge diamond stylus becomes worn after a period of play. Around 500 hours for a conical stylus, 300 hours for an Elliptical stylus, 1000 hours for a Microlinear stylus, and 800 hours for a Shibata stylus. Our VM95 Series dual moving magnet cartridges can be used almost forever by replacing the interchangeable stylus.
AT-XP Series - Audiophile DJ cartridges Conical DJ cartridge mounted on AT-HS6SV headshell. The AT-XP series cartridges provide a high quality sound for vinyl DJ’s. Offering all of the features of a DJ cartridge, but with a Hi-fi sound, the XP series are perfect for the stage and club DJ who prioritises sound quality. The following features demonstrate the quality of the AT-XP series, and show why DJ’s can rely on th Audio-Technica sound for a true Hi-fi audio performance.
AT-XP Series - Audiophile DJ cartridges AT-XP7 AT-XP7/H Audiophile DJ cartridge, elliptical stylus aluminium tapered pipe cantilever AT-XP7 mounted on AT-HS6BK headshell 149,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310142537 179.
P-mount moving magnet plug-in cartridges This selection of three cartridges allows owners of Technics™, Hitachi™, Pioneer™(3) and similar linear tracking turntables with T4P plug-in connectors to enjoy the high-fidelity sound that only Audio‑Technica can offer. Each is designed specifically for the linear format, while all feature Audio‑Technica’s unique dual moving magnet construction.
P-MOUNTING • P-mount cartridge has four terminals at the back that simply plug in to the end of the tonearm. The cartridge is then secured to the tonearm with a single screw. Audio‑Technica P-mount cartridges can be mounted as follow: – P-mount (plug-in) – Half-inch mount (1/2”) using universal AT-PMA1 adapter P-mount cartridge mounted on P-mount tonearm (screw and nut are supplied with all models). P-mount cartridge mounted on standard 1/2” headshell using AT-PMA1 U-mount adapter.
Playing 78rpm Shellac SP Records Why 78, Why Shellac, Why SP ? Those records are black, heavy, easily breakable and were the main music and audio media from 1900 to 1960. • 78 is one way to name them in the sense that the rotational speed is in general 78rpm (rotations per minute). • Shellac is another way to name them because there were made among other components out of Shellac resin.
To play SP Records, you need a turntable that operates at 78rpm Obviously, if the rotational speed of the record is 78rpm, your turntable needs to be able to operate at this given speed. If your turntable plays only 33rpm or 45rpm as many turntables do, you will not be able to play your SP record.
Audiophile moving coil cartridges specifications Model Number AT-ART9 AT-ART7 AT33Sa AT33EV AT33PTG/II Type Dual Moving Coil Aluminium 15 to 50,000 Hz Non-magnetic Core Moving Coil Aluminium 15 to 50,000 Hz Dual Moving Coil Aluminium/Synthetic Resin 15 to 50,000 Hz Dual Moving Coil Aluminium/Synthetic Resin 15 to 50,000 Hz Dual Moving Coil Aluminium/Synthetic Resin 15 to 50,000 Hz 30 dB (1 kHz) 0.5 dB (1 kHz) 0.4 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) 23 degrees (see note n°1) 30 dB (1 kHz) 0.5 dB (1 kHz) 0.
Moving coil cartridges specification for mono vintage records for 78rpm Shellac SP Records for Mono Vinyl for Mono Vinyl Model Number AT-MONO3/SP AT-MONO3/LP AT33 MONO Type Body Material Frequency Response Output Voltage Vertical Tracking Angle Vertical Tracking Force Range Stylus Shape Stylus Curvature Radius Stylus Construction & Size Cantilever Static Compliance Dynamic Compliance Wire Used for Coil Recommended Load Impedance Coil Impedance DC Resistance Coil Inductance Cartridge Weight Dimensions
VM Series cartridges specifications Model Number VM760SLC VM750SH VM740ML VM540ML VM530EN Type VM Stereo VM Stereo VM Stereo VM Stereo VM Stereo Frequency Response Output Voltage 20 to 30,000Hz 20 to 27,000Hz 20 to 27,000Hz 20 to 27,000Hz 20 to 25,000Hz 4.0mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) 30dB (1kHz) 4.0mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) 30dB (1kHz) 4.0mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) 28dB (1kHz) 4.0mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) 28dB (1kHz) 4.5mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) 27dB (1kHz) 1.0dB (1kHz) 1.0dB (1kHz) 1.0dB (1kHz) 1.0dB (1kHz) 1.
VM95 Series dual moving magnet cartridges specifications Model Number AT-VM95C AT-VM95E AT-VM95EN AT-VM95ML AT-VM95SH AT-VM95SP Cartridge EAN Code 4961310146023 4961310146016 4961310146009 4961310145996 4961310145989 4961310146030 Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet VM Stereo Dual Magnet VM Stereo Dual Magnet VM Stereo Dual Magnet VM Stereo Dual Magnet VM Stereo Dual Magnet (4) Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz (4) 20 to 22,000 Hz 20 to 23,000 Hz 20 to 25,000 Hz 20 to 25,000 Hz 20 to 20,0
Replacement styli for audio-technica cartridges Series AT95 ATN95E ATN95Ex The ATN95E is also compatible with discontinued models AT93 and AT95. The ATN95Ex is also compatible with discontinued models AT93 and AT95.
Replacement styli guide for other discontinued audio-technica models Discontinued Original model stylus shape Recommended replacement Alternative replacement / Note Discontinued Original model stylus shape Recommended replacement Alternative replacement / Note AT100E Elliptical VMN20EB Any VMN model can be selected AT3472EPBK Elliptical ATN3472SE ATN3472P (Makes cartridge conical) AT101EP Elliptical ATN3472SE ATN3472P (Makes cartridge conical) AT3474SE Elliptical ATN3472SE ATN3472P (Mak
Headshells Removable headshell for half-inch cartridges with azimuth and overhang adjustment Threaded headshells for non-threaded cartridges Through hole type headshells for threaded cartridges • Threaded headshell avoiding use of nuts when fitting cartridge • A luminium headshell with hard anodized finish reduces unwanted vibration pairs of installation screws • 7 (3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm) • 1 hexagon wrench (for overhanging and tilt adjustment) Hexagon bolts (opposite site) • T hr
Headshells Removable headshell for half-inch cartridges, M2.6 threaded AT-LT13A 13g headshell aluminium die cast body AT-MG10 10g headshell magnesium body 39,00 e 49,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310001964 Including VAT EAN 4961310001957 • T hreaded headshell avoiding use of nuts when fitting cartridge • 7 pairs of screws (3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm) • Includes gold plated terminals quad wire • 3 pairs of M2.6 threaded holes with 3.
Turntables related accessories AT6006R 27-39 mm Tonearm Safety Raiser 129,00 e Ø 14 mm Including VAT EAN 4961310146115 • Lifts tonearm automatically at the end of a record, protecting stylus tip • Hydraulic lift with rubber lift bar operates safely and smoothly • Can be mounted on a variety of turntables with different tonearm heights AT6003R Cartridges protective display 24,00 e Including VAT EAN 4961310144616 AT6181DL Stroboscope Disc and Strobe Quartz Light Stroboscopic disc (50 Hz / 60 Hz) 33
Cleaning accessories AT617a Cartridge Stylus Cleaner 34,90 e Including VAT EAN 4961310145460 • Specially formulated polyurethane gel gently removes dirt particles from stylus tip • Gel remains tacky for years • Surface is washable for repeated use AT607a Stylus cleaner liquid with brush applicator 12,90 e Including VAT EAN 4961310140076 • 10ml volume • A pplicator brush is attached to the cap for ease of use.
Cartridge-making dictionary Audio‑Technica’s guide to cartridge-making terminology 33rpm 33rpm very often denotes 12” LP Vinyl records (1949Today), that should be played at a speed of 331/3rpm. Rpm stands for Rotation Per Minute. 45 rpm 45rpm very often denotes 7” Vinyl records (1949-Today), that should be played at a speed of 45rpm. Rpm stands for Rotation Per Minute. 78rpm 78rpm very often denotes 10” Shellac SP Gramophone records (1925-1950), that should be played at a speed of 78rpm.
Cartridge-making dictionary Audio‑Technica’s guide to cartridge-making terminology is that the input impedance of your phono preamp (also referred to as the load impedance of your cartridge) should be 10 times the output impedance of your cartridge (also called the source impedance). Load When connected to a phono preamp, the cartridge forms a RLC (Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor) circuit which acts as a resonant filter emphasizing certain frequencies while reducing others.
Cartridge-making dictionary Audio‑Technica’s guide to cartridge-making terminology Replacement Stylus Stylus assembly of Moving Magnet cartridges are field replaceable. When the diamond is worn out, (between 600 and 1000 hours) or if the cantilever becomes damaged, the stylus assembly needs to be replaced. The Stylus assembly represents between 60% to 80% of the cost of a complete cartridge (depending on the nature of the diamond tip).
Understanding the sizes and shapes of Audio-Technica stylus tips and contact areas in the record groove for microgroove Long Play vinyl records (LP) 0,3 x 0,7mil 2,2 x 0,12mil Elliptical MicroLinear 2,7 x 0,26mil Shibata R 1,5 x 0,28mil Special Line Contact R = 1,5mil R Stylus front view 0,6mil Conical R Stylus shape R Stylus curvature radius R Stylus horizontal cross-section R R= 0,6mil r= 0,3mil r= 0,12mil R r= 0,26mil r= 0,28mil AT-ART1000 AT-OC9XEB AT33MONO (0,65mil) AT-OC9XML
Alphanumeric product listing Product Code Page Product Code Page Product Code Page 9 AT-VM95SP 35 ATN-XP5 39 AT-ART7 10 AT-VM95SP 43 ATN-XP7 39 AT-ART9 10 AT-VM95SP/H 35 ATN3600L 48 AT-HS1 51 AT-VMN95C 36 ATN81CP 40 AT-HS10BK 51 AT-VMN95E 36 ATN85EP 40 AT-HS10SV 51 AT-VMN95EN 36 ATN91 48 AT-HS3 51 AT-VMN95ML 36 ATN91R 48 AT-HS3RD 51 AT-VMN95SH 36 ATN95E 48 AT-HS4 51 AT-VMN95SP 36 ATN95Ex 48 AT-HS6BK 51 AT-XP3 39 VM510CB 27 AT-HS6SV 51 AT-
Established in 1962, Audio-Technica’s first Early stereo phono cartridge production line product was the AT1 phono cartridge. in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The quality and musicality of the Audio-Technica phono cartridges of today is the result of 56 years of analogue heritage, the ongoing dedication of our design engineers and continued handcraftsmanship of our production teams.
Audio-Technica Fukui, Japan, opened 2010 Housing 170 employees & engineers, the main production plant for Audio-Technica phono cartridges.
Audio-Technica Germany Audio-Technica Deutschland GmbH Peter-Sander-Str. 43 C 55252 Mainz-Kastel Germany Audio-Technica France Audio-Technica SAS 11, rue des Pyramides 75001 Paris France T: +44 (0)113 277 1441 F: +44 (0)113 270 4836 T: +49 (0) 6134 25734 0 F: +49 (0) 6134 25734 50 T: +33 (0) 1 43 72 82 82 F: +33 (0) 1 43 72 60 70 E: info@audio-technica.co.uk eu.audio-technica.com E: info@audio-technica.de www.audio-technica.de E: info@audio-technica.fr www.audio-technica.
